The Regional Director for Social Solidarity announced today that the Government will renew the cooperation agreement with the Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities of Faial (APADIF) for the promotion of Equality of Opportunities.

This renewal will ensure the continuity of the programme for the Promotion of Quality of Life and Safety of Seniors, thus supporting the operation of the APADIF Day Centre seven days a week as well as the provision of a response to ease the workload of caregivers.

Speaking at the Carnival Party organised by the Conceição Day and Leisure Centre and APADIF Centre, Natércia Gaspar stressed that the project was allocated a financial support in the amount of 26 thousand Euros in addition to being funded by the Social Security.

In her speech, the government official emphasised the Regional Network of Social Infrastructures, which provides nearly 200 responses in various areas with the aim of "promoting the quality of life of the elderly and ensuring their safety"; this is one main priorities of the Government for this area.

According to Natércia Gaspar, this network comprises several social responses, including elderly homes, day and leisure centres, and home support services. Moreover, this network also intends to promote intergeneration solidarity.

The Regional Director also recalled the existence of a series of economic support measures in the Azores that have been implemented with the aim of increasing the available income of elderly citizens, such as the Pension Supplement or the Supplement for the Purchase of Medicine (COMPAMID).

With regard to the Day Centre, Natércia Gaspar considered that "it fulfils its role as a social response." In fact, this centre aims to "promote the quality of life of the elderly and the sharing of experiences and knowledge, whilst proving some basic needs, such as hygiene care, food and health care."

The Regional Director also praised the role of social institutions; they are "partners" of the Azorean Government, but they are also "the face, the voice and the immediate response in communities."